1989 Mitsubishi Eclipse Turbo/Plymouth Laser Turbo

1989 10Best Cars

The Eclipse/Laser, which will be built at the new Diamond-Star factory in Illinois and sold by Mitsubishi and Plymouth dealers, respectively, is a modestly priced sports coupe with enough performance to embarrass a Porsche 944. Indeed, the Eclipse/Laser is actually faster than the Porsche 928 was at the time of its 1978 introduction.

The Eclipse/Laser will move from 0 to 60 mph in only 6.6 seconds and will get through the quarter-mile in 15.1 seconds at 93mph. The Eclipse’s top speed is 143 mph. The Laser, which has a slightly higher drag coefficient, is a hair slower at the top end.

Moreover, the car handles well and is uncommonly well appointed inside. The shifter works as if it were moving through nothing more resistant than air. Yet, despite the presence of ease and smoothness, this car is most definitely meant for real drivers.